Trading Standards officers are appealing for help to track down suppliers of illegal tobacco in the Welshpool area.
Residents and businesses are being urged to come forward with information on the supply of illegal tobacco that is available in the area.
The call for information has come from Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service, who have carried out a successful operation where some suspect products were seized in Powys using a sniffer dog.
Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said: “Our main objective is to increase understanding of the impact of illegal tobacco amongst smokers and local communities and mobilise stakeholders, local businesses and communities to report illegal trading.
“Our campaign targets smokers and non-smokers, especially concerned parents. We are targeting areas where there are moderate levels of illegal tobacco consumption but also enough doubts in attitude to build on and effect change.”
Clive Jones, the council’s Professional Lead for Trading Standards, said: “Illegal tobacco is often less than half the tax-paid price of legally sold tobacco and this maintains smokers in their habit and encourages young people to start smoking.
“Far from being a victimless crime, illegal tobacco trading creates a cheap source for children and young people and encourages adults to continue smoking by underground economy worth hundreds of millions of pounds. We will work with Dyfed Powys Police and other partners to tackle to illegal tobacco in the county."
Elen de Lacy, Chief Executive of ASH Wales Cymru added: “We welcome this successful operation tackling illegal tobacco in Powys. The problem of illegal tobacco is a serious one across Wales.
"15% of the market is currently illegal and is undermining many of the government’s tobacco control measures such as age restrictions, health warnings and price. ASH Wales is calling on Welsh Government to begin a public awareness campaign to generate intelligence alongside strong enforcement action from trading standards and enforcement partners.”
For more information about the efforts to stop illegal tobacco visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk
To report any information on the supply of illegal tobacco in Powys, call the council’s Trading Standards Service on 01597 826031 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
